Here are some useful links I've compiled relating to the practical and legal aspects of living in France. I know, I'm so nice. You're welcome. I've heard French bureaucracy referred to as "bureauCRAZY" by another expat and I think any non-European foreigner living in France will agree.
If you're new to French "bureaucrazy" let me give you a quick rundown: if you're American* and you're not eligible for a European passport (if your parents or grandparents or even great-grandparents were born in an E.U. country, check with your consulate on the rules for obtaining citizenship) and you're not married to an E.U. citizen, the simplest ways to live in France are to study in France, au pair in France, or, if you're under 30, be a teaching assistant in France (link below). We don't have the option of a working holiday visa, like the Canadians and Australians. If your cheri(e) is French, getting PACsed might help you out - but not necessarily.
However, there are other ways to live in France - they're just a less straightforward and it's more difficult to find accurate information because the French government doesn't provide a lot of helpful resources. I mean, they provide a list of the visas you can get - if you search hard enough - but they don't necessarily tell you how to get them. (If you know of any helpful resources provided by the French government - actually helpful resources - please contact me!)
The links below cover different kinds of visas, going to the prefecture, getting healthcare in France, getting French nationality, the cost of living in France, and more.
Anne Ditmeyer of Pret-a-Voyager
Life In France
French Bureaucracy, Explained
Un-glamorous Paris: Bureaucracy
Jennifer of Chez Loulou
Moving to France - a very detailed A-Z guide
French Citizenship
The Cost of Living in France
Lilian of Lil & Destinations
Oh my - I have a carte vitale!
Is it expensive to live in Paris?
PACsed!
Ashley of Ashley Abroad
How to Become an Au Pair
Jennyphoria
Snagging an Artist's Visa to Stay in France - on The Paris Blog
Information on the Competences et Talents visa
Carte Competences et Talents - Artist's visa (the ultimate guide)
Chez Babette
Surviving French Bureaucracy in 5 Steps (and one checklist)
Michael Bell of Je Parle Americain
The Anatomy of a Visa Renewal
Christine of C'est Christine
Best ways to work, play and stay in France
Jennie of ielanguages.com
Bureaucracy in France: Frustrating for Foreigners and the French
Jennie writes about renewing her residency card (which she has thanks to being PACsed)
Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day
All about her family's Paris adventure
Moving to Paris: Part 1
A brief summary of short and long stay visas for France
FACC Training Program for Americans in France
Franco-American Grants and Programs
Teaching Assistant Program in France
The Superhero of French Bureaucracy!
Excuse My French helps foreigners in France with a wide range of services, and he's gotten rave reviews. If you're a frustrated foreigner in France, check them out!
http://www.excusemy-french.com/
*I am most familiar with the laws for Americans because I am American! Most of the links on this list will apply to most foreigners in France.
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